Air cargo demand and capacity slightly down in February

New data shows that air cargo demand during February measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), slightly declined by 0.1%, in comparison to the same period of the year prior. While relatively flat, it does mark a decline for the first time since mid-2023.

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), decreased by 0.4% compared to the same month of 2024, but increased by 1.1% on international operations. 

IATA’s director general also stated that rising trade tensions are concerning to the air cargo industry, noting that equity markets are already showing their discomfort. 

“We urge governments to focus on dialogue over tariffs,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, as IATA released data for February 2025 global air cargo markets.

Data shows that Asia-Pacific airlines saw the largest increase in demand, rising 5.1% in February. Capacity increased by 2.7% in comparison to the year prior. 

IATA did note that comparisons last year are affected due to by an extra day in February 2024, due to the leap year.